Christian Benteke was the hero for Liverpool as they defied James Milner’s red card to come from behind and win at Selhurst Park.

Milner saw red for a second yellow card offense just after the hour, Crystal Palace having hit the front through Joe Ledley shortly after the interval.

Palace keeper Alex McCarthy produced a howler to allow Roberto Firmino level things 18 minutes from time and Benteke was the coolest man in south London to slot home a 95th minute stop kick and claim an unlikely Liverpool win.

It was Liverpool’s first victory at Selhurst Park since 1997 but there was little sign it would come during a poor first half from the Anfield men.

Jurgen Klopp’s team had plenty possession but were unable to trouble Palace at the back.

At the other end, Emmanuel Adebayor was proving a handful and he should have put the some side in front on 11 minutes.

Papiss Souare’s left wing cross found the big striker but he headed onto the crossbar with Simon Mignolet stranded.

Yohan Cabaye fizzed a shot into the side netting for the home side while Divock Origi’s speculative curling effort cleared the bar at the other end as the first half petered out.

Alan Pardew’s team hit the front four minutes after the break.

Liverpool failed to clear their lines following a corner and the ball was smashed low into the net from 17-yards by Ledley.

The home side would have sensed another win over Liverpool when Milner picked up a second booking just after the hour.

To their credit, Liverpool responded well and they got a slice of luck to get on terms when McCarthy slipped clearing the ball and Firmino slotted home from inside the box.

Benteke replaced Origi with ten minutes left and almost scored with his first touch as McCarthy smothered a low volley.

Alberto Moreno thought he had won the game in the final minute, only to see his powerful left-foot shot cannon back off the inside of the post and away to safety.

With the four minutes of stoppage time almost up, Benteke ran at Delaney in the box and the central defender clipped his standing foot to send the striker sprawling.

Andre Marriner hesitated to make the award but, apparently on advice from his assistant, he pointed to the spot allowing Benteke to coolly stroke home the winner.